The Replacement of the Bourne and Sagamore Bridges

It might take a few years, but Cape Cod will be getting some new bridges to replace the 85-year-old Bourne and Sagamore Bridges that connect the region to the mainland.

This news is significant for Cape Cod residents, particularly those who work off-Cape, because it will make reaching the mainland more efficient in the future.

While original projections suggest that work won't start on the new bridges until 2025, and government funding is awaiting approval, there's hope that a new COVID stimulus package could speed things up.

Here's what we know so far about the replacement of the Bourne and Sagamore Bridges and what it means for Cape Cod residents.

About the Old Bridges

The Bourne and Sagamore bridges have been a lifeline for Cape Cod residents from the minute they opened on June 22, 1935. 

These bridges have been the only roadway that connects the Cape to the rest of the country ever since, and most residents use them regularly. In the high season, the Bourne and Sagamore bridges have thousands of cars cross them daily, making them vital pieces of infrastructure to the region's $1 billion tourism industry.

Because the bridges head over the Cape Cod Canal, they're owned and maintained by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The new structures will be owned by the Massachusetts Dept. of Transportation, ending an era on the Cape.

Why New Bridges are Necessary

Structurally, the Bourne and Sagamore bridges are in relatively good shape for 85-year-old constructions. They aren't at risk of falling apart, so replacing them isn't an emergency at the present time.

However, these bridges are also unable to keep up with modern traffic demands and are nearing double their original life expectancy. 

Officials believe that the Cape has needed new bridges for years, and while it will be a sad day to see these iconic structures go, the thought is that it's in Cape Cod's best interests to replace them.

How the New Bridges Will Look

Since no official funding has been announced for these bridges, it's impossible to tell how they'll look. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has given some recommendations, though, which should provide us with a vague idea of what to expect.

First, this study announced that renovating the current bridges would cost about $1.5 billion, which is about the same as, if not more expensive than, replacing them. For that reason, the Corps is recommending a complete tear-down and replacement.

The study also recommends that each bridge have four lanes, much like the current ones, but that the lanes should be wider to promote better traffic flow. Combined with two auxiliary entrance and exit lanes, these wider lanes should help cars move faster on the bridge and reduce congestion.

These new bridges will also have extra space for bicycles and pedestrians, making it easier to walk or ride across the Canal. The idea is that encouraging foot and bike traffic could ease the traffic burden on the bridges.

While we won't have any ideas on the exact design of these bridges until funding is secured and architects have a chance to develop and release their visions, this is an exciting time on Cape Cod because of the benefits this new infrastructure will bring.

What This Means For Cape Cod

Overall, it's hard to see how these new bridges could negatively affect Cape Cod residents because they will make it easier to cross the Cape Cod Canal. While these bridges might not feature additional lanes, having a more expansive space for the existing lanes can speed things up and make it easier to drive to and from the mainland.

It's also worth noting that the current bridges create a significant tax burden for residents because their upkeep is so expensive. The older and Bourne and Sagamore bridges get, the more costly their maintenance becomes.

Suppose you're considering buying a home on Cape Cod but are worried about the commute to work in the summer. In that case, these additions should make it easier to reach your destination during the busiest times of the year, eliminating stress in the process.

Living on the Cape is full of benefits like beach access, a slower pace of life, outstanding dining, and fantastic historical venues. With these new bridges' construction, the positives associated with living on Cape Cod will continue to grow.